Some kids are great storytellers, but are too young to write it all down. Let them dictate the story while you write or type it on the computer. If they still aren’t crazy about writing it all down as they get older, alternate writing with them—you write some, they write some. This way they get experience and don’t get too dependent on you doing their writing for them!

4. Illustrate it!

Sometimes kids like to draw but don’t like to write. Jump-start imaginations by combining the two. Write a story together, if only a short paragraph, and let them illustrate it. Find a funny picture or remove captions from cartoons and have the kids write about it.

The computer is a good tool to facilitate this. There is software available that kids can use to create artwork, and of course, word processing programs that help kids spot spelling and grammar errors. With a good balance, so as not to get too dependent on spellcheck, this can make writing seem less daunting.

Plan a night for family and friends to get together, and have the kids display or read their illustrated stories. Maybe a few other homeschool families would be interested in having an art and story fair. You could set it up as a creative exhibit, where visitors can view and talk to the kids about their work. Serve light refreshments and take pictures to make it a fun, memorable event.

5. Encourage Kids to Keep a Personal Journal

This can take a variety of forms, ranging from a weather log or a current events journal to something as simple as writing out the family meal menu. This can be done daily or weekly, depending on ability level and schedule. It can be written together or individually and shared with the rest of the family. Have them compare results from the weather log, for example, with family or friends in another part of the country.

Extreme or unusual stories such as tall tales often appeal to kids. Check out some books in that genre from the library and then have the kids create their own extreme or funny characters.

Interesting story starters can be helpful for extreme stories, too. Have your kids consider and write using thought-provoking questions like these: what would George Washington do if he woke up tomorrow morning in the White House? What would Abraham Lincoln be thinking if he were riding in a race car? Make sure they are questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

Go one step further and make up a list of unlikely combinations to write about. What would happen if Napoleon worked at the drive-through window at McDonald's? Or if the Wright Brothers were running the roller coaster at the fair?